Do You Need Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss?

The best way to find that out is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your case and let you know what procedures would be most effective in helping you achieve your desired results.

In general, patients who are good candidates for surgery after weight loss are:

• Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight (100 kilos or more).
• Patients who have reached their desired weight and that remains stable.
• Patients who have loose skin around their midsection, thighs, arms, or other areas of their body.
• Patients who are healthy enough to undergo surgery and have realistic expectations for the final results.

If you meet the above criteria, then plastic surgery after weight loss may be right for you.

Dr. Stavrou often recommends a combination of procedures to his patients, depending on their individual needs and goals. For example, a patient may undergo a tummy tuck to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, as well as a breast lift to improve the appearance of sagging breasts. Another common combination is arm lift (brachioplasty) and thigh lift (thighplasty), which can help patients achieve a more toned and sculpted appearance.

Benefits Of Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

• Improved Body Contour

After losing a significant amount of weight, you may have loose skin and tissue in areas such as the abdomen, arms, thighs, and breasts. Plastic surgery can help remove excess skin and tissue and improve your overall body contour.

• Enhanced Physical Comfort

Excess skin can cause discomfort, rashes, and chafing. Plastic surgery can help alleviate these physical discomforts and improve your quality of life.

• Improved Mobility

Excess skin and tissue can limit your mobility and make it difficult to perform certain activities. Removing this excess tissue through cosmetic surgery can help improve your range of motion and make it easier to move around.

• Increased Self-confidence

While the physical benefits of plastic surgery are clear, the emotional benefits cannot be overlooked. Feeling confident and comfortable in your new body can have a positive impact on your mental health and overall well-being.

• Better Hygiene

Excess skin folds can be difficult to clean and may harbor bacteria, leading to infections and unpleasant odors. Plastic surgery can help remove these folds and improve your hygiene.

• Clothes Fit Better

Loose skin and tissue can make it difficult to find clothing that fits properly. Plastic surgery can help improve your body contour and allow you to wear clothing that fits comfortably and looks great.

• Long-lasting Results

Unlike non-surgical treatments that may require ongoing maintenance, plastic surgery provides long-lasting results that can improve your quality of life for years to come.

Recovery time after body contouring surgery may vary depending on the type of procedures performed. Most patients can expect to take several days to several weeks off work or other activities to allow their bodies time to heal properly. It’s crucial to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your doctor to minimize risks associated with recovery time, such as infection or scarring.

Potential Risks Associated With Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

Even though plastic surgery is an excellent option for patients who have undergone significant weight loss, there might be some risks associated with the procedure. Patients who follow their doctor’s pre- and post-operative care instructions precisely can be confident that they will recover soon and enjoy their beautiful new body contour. Here are some of the most common risks to be aware of:

• Infection 

Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, which can lead to delayed healing and additional complications. Thus, it’s essential to take all necessary precautions and follow the surgeon’s instructions to minimize this risk.

• Scarring

While scarring is an inevitable part of any surgery, patients who have undergone weight loss surgery may be more prone to scarring due to changes in their skin’s elasticity. It’s essential to choose a skilled plastic surgeon who can minimize scarring as much as possible.

• Poor Wound Healing

Patients who have undergone significant weight loss may have compromised immune systems, which can lead to poor wound healing after surgery. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your plastic surgeon to minimize the risk of complications.

• Blood Clots

Any surgery carries a risk of blood clots, which can be particularly concerning for patients who have undergone weight loss surgery. It’s important to take steps to minimize this risk, such as staying active and wearing compression garments as recommended by your plastic surgeon.

• Anesthesia Risks

Patients who have undergone weight loss surgery may have different anesthesia risks than other patients. Discuss any concerns or issues with your anesthesiologist to minimize the risk of complications during surgery.